Erica Parsons' adoptive parents indicted on four charges in teen's death

Erica Parsons' adoptive parents indicted on four charges in teen's death

Teen died after years of abuse, malnutrition

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Updated: 6:36 AM EST Feb 21, 2018

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WEBVTT COUNTY.WHEN CAN THIS CASE GO TO TRIAL?>> AUTHORITIES COULD NOT GIVE ATHIS HAS NOT BEEN AN EASY ONE TOTHEY WILL BE TRANSFERRED TOTHAT’S A PROCESS THE ROWANTHE SHERIFF TODAY SAYING THAT>> I AM PROUD OF ALL OF THESETHAT DAY IN SOUTH CAROLINA WASIT’S NOT ABOUT INDIVIDUALIT’S NOT MY SHOW.IT WILL TAKE ALL OF US TO FINISH>> ERICA PARSONS WOULD HAVE

Erica Parsons' adoptive parents indicted on four charges in teen's death

The adoptive parents of Rowan County teenager Erica Parsons are now facing a string of charges, including first-degree murder, six years after she went missing.

A press conference was held Tuesday morning in Rowan County to announce that investigators have indicted Sandy Parson and Casey Parsons with first-degree murder, felony child abuse, felony concealment of death and felony obstruction of justice in connection to the teen's death.

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The results of an autopsy released in January revealed that Parsons died as a result of “homicide violence of undetermined means,” after she suffered years of abuse and malnourishment.

Erica Parsons was reported missing on July 30, 2013, by her adoptive brother, Jamie Parsons. He told authorities that his sister had been missing since November or December of 2011, when she was 13.

A year later, the teen's parents were arrested in Fayetteville by the FBI on fraud charges in connection to the case after prosecutors alleged Casey and Sandy Parsons received nearly $14,000 in adoptive assistance checks between January 2012 and August 2013, after Erica was last seen.

U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Schroeder said in a Winston-Salem courtroom that the fraud kept Erica's disappearance from being investigated. The couple had claimed Erica went to live with her grandmother in Asheville. However, no such grandmother has been found.

Casey Parsons pleaded guilty in October 2014, while a jury found Sandy Parsons guilty a few weeks later. The couple was ordered to pay nearly $56,000 in restitution.

Erica Parsons' skeletal remains were found in South Carolina in September 2016, five years after she was last seen alive.

The remains were found in a small grave near Pageland, about 40 miles southeast of Charlotte, Chesterfield County Sheriff Jay Brooks told WCNC.

Sandy Parsons was taken out of prison and pointed to the exact location of the remains.

The autopsy stated that Erica suffered numerous fractures and broken bones and was malnourished.

Medical officials said the fractures documented at autopsy are consistent with multiple blunt force injuries over a prolonged period, and the growth deficit and low bone density are consistent with malnourishment.

"The autopsy results will be reviewed by RCSO Investigators, and then the results of the autopsy, along with other evidence will be presented to the Rowan County District Attorney’s Office. Once the District Attorney has had the time needed to give careful consideration to the evidence and results of the autopsy, she will meet with the RCSO Investigators regarding the type of criminal charges that will be made against Casey and Sandy Parsons. The resulting charges will most likely be taken before the Rowan County Grand Jury for review. Once these steps are completed, arrangements will have to be made with federal authorities for Casey and Sandy Parsons to be transported to Rowan County, so that the charging documents (warrants) can be served on them, and a first appearance can be set for the defendants."

Casey and Sandy Parsons are in jail in two different states, so they will have to be transported to Rowan County to face the new charges.

The Rowan County sheriff said that it will happen in the next few weeks.

During Tuesday's press conference, the sheriff walked through a timeline of the case, stating that the indictments were a long time coming, but are pleased where the case stands at this point.